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Easy Baked Jalapeño Poppers with Cream Cheese Filling

A pile of crispy, golden-brown baked jalapeño poppers stuffed with cream cheese on a white plate.
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Make these simple baked jalapeño poppers for a spicy and cheesy appetizer. This recipe controls the heat and avoids deep-frying.

Ingredients

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  • 12 large jalapeño peppers
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten (for egg wash)
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • Cooking spray

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly coat it with cooking spray.
  2. Prepare the jalapeños: Wear gloves to protect your hands. Slice each jalapeño lengthwise in half. Use a small spoon or knife to carefully scrape out all the seeds and white membrane. This step reduces the heat level.
  3. Make the filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until the filling is smooth and fully combined.
  4. Stuff the peppers: Spoon or pipe the cheese mixture evenly into each jalapeño half, mounding it slightly.
  5. Set up the breading station: Place the lightly beaten egg in one shallow dish and the panko breadcrumbs in another.
  6. Coat the poppers: Dip the top (cheese side) of each stuffed pepper half into the egg wash, letting any excess drip off. Then, press the cheese side firmly into the panko breadcrumbs to coat completely.
  7. Arrange the poppers: Place the breaded poppers, cheese-side up, on the prepared baking sheet. Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray for better browning.
  8. Bake: Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
  9. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Wear disposable gloves when handling jalapeños to prevent capsaicin oil from irritating your skin or eyes later.
  • For a bacon wrapped poppers option, wrap half a slice of pre-cooked bacon around the stuffed pepper before breading and baking.
  • If you prefer a milder flavor, remove as much of the white pith (membrane) from inside the pepper as possible.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://epicureempire.com/jalapeno-poppers-easy-baked-recipe/